Pajouhan Scientific Journal, Winter, In Press
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Ethics code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1404.152
1- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran & Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran & Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran ,m.afshari@umsha.ac.ir
2- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
3- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran & Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran & Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran ,
Abstract: (586 Views)
Background and Objectives: Maltreatment is a global crisis encompassing physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, and exploitation. Children under five years of age, particularly those living in marginalized areas, are among the most vulnerable groups, and exposure to maltreatment can lead to long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of different types of maltreatment (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, and exploitation) among children aged 2–5 years, as reported by mothers living in marginalized areas of Hamadan, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 570 mothers of children aged 2-5 years residing in marginalized areas of Hamadan, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed based on five dimensions of maltreatment, namely physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, and exploitation. The validity of the instrument was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was assessed among mothers. Stratified sampling was applied, and participants were recruited from comprehensive health service centers and health posts.
Results: The findings indicated that the most prevalent type of maltreatment was physical abuse (79.6%), followed by psychological abuse (76.3%), neglect (60.4%), exploitation (38.4%), and sexual abuse (21.9%). Male gender was associated with a reduced likelihood of exploitation, whereas Turkish maternal ethnicity was significantly associated with increased odds. Maternal education about maltreatment was the only protective factor against physical abuse. Regarding psychological abuse, having maternal education level and witnessing child abuse among others were associated with increased risk, while maternal training showed a protective effect.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate a high prevalence of maltreatment in marginalized areas of Hamadan, particularly physical and psychological abuse. Considering demographic and contextual factors may contribute to preventing child abuse. These findings may provide a foundation for educational interventions and supportive policy-making in underserved communities.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 570 mothers of children aged 2-5 years residing in marginalized areas of Hamadan, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed based on five dimensions of maltreatment, namely physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, and exploitation. The validity of the instrument was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was assessed among mothers. Stratified sampling was applied, and participants were recruited from comprehensive health service centers and health posts.
Results: The findings indicated that the most prevalent type of maltreatment was physical abuse (79.6%), followed by psychological abuse (76.3%), neglect (60.4%), exploitation (38.4%), and sexual abuse (21.9%). Male gender was associated with a reduced likelihood of exploitation, whereas Turkish maternal ethnicity was significantly associated with increased odds. Maternal education about maltreatment was the only protective factor against physical abuse. Regarding psychological abuse, having maternal education level and witnessing child abuse among others were associated with increased risk, while maternal training showed a protective effect.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate a high prevalence of maltreatment in marginalized areas of Hamadan, particularly physical and psychological abuse. Considering demographic and contextual factors may contribute to preventing child abuse. These findings may provide a foundation for educational interventions and supportive policy-making in underserved communities.
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
Health Sciences
Received: 2025/11/8 | Accepted: 2026/02/22
Received: 2025/11/8 | Accepted: 2026/02/22
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